- P — Pull: remove the safety pin
- A — Aim: point the nozzle at the base of the flames, not the flames themselves
- S — Squeeze: press the lever continuously (not in short bursts)
- S — Sweep: move the spray in a fanning motion from left to right
Optimal distance: 1.5–2 meters from the base of the fire.
Knowing where the fire extinguisher is located is the first step. Knowing how to use it is what really matters.
Most people have never operated a fire extinguisher in their lives. Under stress, in the presence of smoke and heat, instinct is often wrong. This guide prepares you to do the right thing in the first 90 seconds.
First: assess whether to intervene
A fire extinguisher is a tool for incipient fires — flames confined to a small area. It is not a tool for fires that have already spread.
Only intervene if:
- The fire is small and contained (no larger than a wastepaper basket)
- You are between the fire and the exit — never cut off your escape route
- You have already called 115 (Fire Department)
- The area is not filled with smoke — smoke kills more people than flames do
Evacuate immediately if:
- The fire has spread to walls or ceiling
- There is dense smoke in the room
- You smell gas
- You are unsure of the type of fire
Nothing in your home is worth your life. A fire extinguisher buys you time — it doesn't make you a hero.
The PASS method: 4 steps to memorize
PASS is the international acronym for using portable fire extinguishers. It works even under stress, even for people who have never picked up an extinguisher before.
P — Pull: remove the safety pin
Pull the safety pin out firmly. Without this step, the extinguisher won't activate.
Common mistake: losing seconds trying to figure out how it opens. Identify your extinguisher's safety pin before an emergency.
A — Aim: point at the base
Direct the nozzle toward the base of the flames, not the flames themselves. The base is where the fuel is. Optimal distance: 1.5–2.5 meters. Dexty V1.0 has a spray range of approximately 3 meters.
S — Squeeze: press the lever
Press the lever firmly and continuously. Not in short bursts — a steady flow is more effective. Dexty V1.0 discharges for approximately 22 seconds.
S — Sweep: fan from side to side
Move the spray from one side of the fire's base to the other in wide horizontal sweeps. Continue until the flames are out or the extinguisher is empty.
After the intervention: what to do next
- Do not turn your back on an extinguished fire. Hot materials can reignite.
- Ventilate the area. Open doors and windows as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Clean up the foam with water and a cloth. Dexty V1.0 does not corrode surfaces and leaves no toxic residue.
- Replace the extinguisher. A used extinguisher — even partially — is no longer reliable.
- Call 115 even if you put the fire out yourself. They need to check for hidden hot spots.
Practice before an emergency: 3 minutes that can make all the difference
- Identify where the extinguisher is in every room
- Locate the safety pin, lever, and nozzle
- Memorize P-A-S-S until it's automatic
- Decide in advance where you would stand relative to the fire and the exit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Dexty on an electrical fire?
Yes. Dexty V1.0 foam is safe on electrical systems up to 1000V. Never use water on an electrical fire.
Can I use it on a pan fire with oil?
Yes — Dexty covers Class F. But the correct first response is: cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat. Use the extinguisher only if the fire has already spread.
Does the extinguisher need to be refilled after each use?
Dexty V1.0 is not refillable: it must be replaced after use. No mandatory maintenance during its 5-year lifespan — just an annual visual check of the pressure gauge.
From what distance should it be used?
Optimal distance: 1.5–2 meters from the base of the flames.
Does the PASS method work with all types of extinguishers?
Yes — PASS applies to all portable fire extinguishers: foam, powder, CO₂. Only the optimal distance and fire classes covered vary.
What if the extinguisher doesn't work?
Get out immediately and call 115. Do not waste time if the fire has already developed.
Conclusion
Four steps. Aim at the base. Steady pressure. Sweep side to side. Keep an extinguisher visible, know how to use it, and decide in advance when not to: those are the three pillars of an effective response.
